Tuesday Training Byte: Reducing anxiety in car rides

We might think that dogs will automatically love going for a ride in the car, but the opposite may be true for your pup. A stressed dog will exhibit outward signs such as trembling, barking, drooling, pacing, and even vomiting. As with most training, getting your dog to settle is done incrementally. Start with securing your dog in the back seat with a doggy seat belt harness. It can help if someone rides in the back next to the dog at first. Next, go on very short rides like down to your mailbox and back. If that was anxiety-provoking, then the next day just sit in the car with your dog. Do not yell at your dog if he is barking or jumping (the harness is a big help here). On a third or fourth day, drive down your street and back and give your dog a treat while in the car for good behavior. You can even toss treats to him as you go, or have a lick mat in his reach. By the end of the week, take your dog out of the car on leash (clip the leash on his collar before you undo his harness or leave the leash on him while riding). Be sure that the place you choose to take him out is not scary. Pick a quiet shady secluded spot and play with your dog for a bit before heading back home. If it is cool weather, take your pup with you to the drive-through and get him a pup cup of ice cream. Before long, he will associate going for a ride with pleasant things. In absence of having a seat belt harness, you can secure his leash to any solid object like the headrest. This will keep him from jumping into the front seat and distracting you while you drive. A second benefit of securing your dog is to keep him from running off in case of an accident or as soon as the door is open. For longer rides, it is even better to put your pup in a crate inside your vehicle. If at any time during this training you see your dog getting stressed, start at the beginning with fun and easy games of just getting in and out of the car or sitting in the car for pets and treats. Before you know it, your pup will be ready for a road trip. Take water for your dog and avoid traveling on hot summer days. Have fun!